At the UofL, the instrument, personnel, and software resources for high-density microarray-based gene expression and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping analyses are in place through an investment of the Brown Cancer Center (BCC) and support of the Molecular Targets COBRE.  This novel molecular technology allows determination of global gene expression and SNP profiles based on hybridization of entire representative mRNA or genomic DNA populations to high-density arrays of gene-specific oligonucleotide probes. Such global profiles can be obtained for tens of thousands of genes or SNP loci from cell populations or tissue samples within one time-saving and standardized experiment.  Comparative analysis of global gene expression patterns on biological or pathologic material will provide crucial information on gene products and/or mutations involved in cellular functions and/or disease processes.

The objective of the Microarray Core is to ensure availability of this highly advanced technology as well as sufficient opportunities for training and research applications for investigators.  The Specific Aims of the Microarray Core are to offer the following services and opportunities to Cancer Center investigators:

• Provide high-quality services for microarray-based gene expression and genotyping analysis;
• Continuously incorporate the newest array products and analysis tools into the menu of services provided;
• Educate and train users in applications, strengths, and limitations of microarray technology;
• Assist users in experimental design, sample processing, and data analysis;
• Maintain close intellectual and logistic interactions with other BCC Cores and resources to support customer needs in experimental design, data analysis and interpretation;
• Provide logistic support for project developments, grant applications, and manuscript preparations applying microarray technology.

The current expansion of the BCC will necessarily lead to a stronger involvement, especially of clinical faculty and research groups, in focusing on molecular and gene expression analyses of their respective patient tissue materials or cell and animal models.  This Core shall ensure that BCC investigators will be able to efficiently adopt this novel state-of-the-art technology for their research, clinical, and investigative goals.  It is crucial for these investigators to have affordable access to the most advanced and sophisticated molecular technologies as part of the institutional resources provided to them.